Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) Interview Template

Studio Teacher (ECT) Interview Assessment Form

Candidate Name:

Date:

Interviewer:

Position: Studio Teacher (ECT)

Scoring Guide:

• 1 (Poor): Lacks basic understanding, unsafe practices, no examples.
• 2 (Basic): Understands concepts but lacks depth in safety protocols or pedagogy.
• 3 (Average): Meets requirements, standard knowledge of frameworks.
• 4 (Good): Strong awareness, proactive, good specific examples, aligns with values.
• 5 (Excellent): Expert knowledge (Reggio/Pikler/RIE), highly organised, innovative, strong "cultural fit."

Part 1: Professional Background & Motivation

1. Professional Journey Can you tell us briefly about your professional background and what specifically motivated you to become an Early Childhood Teacher?

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

2. Age Group Preferences We cater to children from 0 to 5 years. Do you have a preference for working with Nursery, Toddler, or Kindergarten age groups? Why do you feel you are best suited to that specific age group?

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

Part 2: Pedagogy & Curriculum (The "Akidamy" Way)

3. Philosophy Integration At Akidamy, our curriculum incorporates Reggio Emilia, Pikler, and RIE approaches. Can you explain your understanding of these philosophies and give a concrete example of how you have applied one of them in a studio setting? 

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

4. Curriculum Design & Frameworks We require a curriculum that includes EYLF Outcomes, Developmental Goals, and The 8 Aboriginal Ways of Learning. Walk us through your process for creating a "Champion Experience" or "Inquiry Experience" that weaves these elements together. 

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

5. The Programming Cycle Our cycle is rigorous: Daily journals, weekly critical reflection, and monthly key group observations. How do you manage your time to ensure these tasks are completed (e.g., in EarlyWorks) without compromising active supervision and engagement with the children?

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

Part 3: Leadership & Team Collaboration

6. Studio Leadership As an ECT, you work closely with the Studio Lead. How would you support the Lead in managing daily routines and compliance? Give an example of how you have handled a disagreement with a co-worker regarding educational practice.

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

7. Continuous Improvement (QIP) Standard 7.2 emphasises continuous improvement. Describe a time you identified an area for improvement in your service's Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) and successfully implemented a change. How did you get the team on board?

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

Part 4: Safety, Compliance & Operations

8. Active Supervision & Safety You are managing a busy outdoor environment. A child falls and hurts themself while another group is engaging in risky play. Walk us through your immediate actions, focusing on supervision, hazard reporting, and maintaining calm. 

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

9. Regulatory Knowledge What is your understanding of the NQF and National Regulations regarding "Responsible Person" duties? Have you ever been involved in a compliance breach or an Assessment & Rating visit? If so, what did you learn?

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

Part 5: Family & Community Engagement

10. The "First Name Basis" Standard We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and knowing every family. A parent is anxious about their child transitioning to your studio. How do you use the orientation process and tools like EarlyWorks to build trust and reassure them? 

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

11. Handling Feedback If a parent approached you with a concern about their child's development or a biting incident, how would you handle the conversation? (Looking for: Empathy, "Positive Intent", confidentiality, and follow-up).

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

Part 6: Cultural Fit & Values

12. "Try Without Fear" One of our core values is "Try without fear. Fail fast and learn." Tell us about a time you tried a new teaching strategy or project that didn't go to plan. How did you reflect on it, and what was the outcome? 

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

13. Professional Growth We expect our ECTs to drive their own professional development. What is a specific area of your practice you are currently working to improve, and how can Akidamy support that growth?

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

Part 7: Practical Scenarios

14. Scenario: The Dysregulated Child A child in your care is displaying aggressive behaviour (e.g., throwing toys, hitting) and upsetting others. Using a Positive Behaviour Management approach, how do you manage the immediate safety of the group while supporting the emotional needs of that child? 

Notes:
Score: 
 / 5

15. Scenario: The "Floor Book" It is the end of the fortnight. You need to add to the "Floor Book" to showcase learning. Describe an entry you might make based on a hypothetical block-building activity. What specific learning outcomes would you tag?

Notes:
Score: 
$$$$ / 5

Notes:

Part 8: General Impressions (The "Akidamy Fit")

Criteria	Rating (1-5)	Comments
Presentation (Professional, neat, friendly?)
Communication (Clear, articulate, "first name" warmth?)
Passion (Genuine excitement for Early Learning?)
Knowledge (Depth of EYLF/Reggio/NQF understanding?)

Sighted:

Qualification YES / NO

Current WWCC YES / NO

Current First Aid certificate YES / NO

Police Clearance (less than 6 months old) YES / NO

Supervisors Officer Certificate YES / NO

Vaccinated for COVID YES / NO

Vaccinated for Flu YES / NO

VISA YES / NO

Final Summary

Total Score: ______ / 75

Strengths:

• 
  
• 
  

Weaknesses / Red Flags:

• 
  
• 
  

Recommendation:

□ Hire

□ Second Interview / Trial Shift

□ Do Not Hire

Interviewer Signature: